Rickenbacker 4003
 

Any of you guys play one?

Chris Squire's tone has always been one of my favorites and I thought it might be a nice upgrade. Are they really worth the money?

I currently use a MIM Jazz bass with a P/J configuration through an SVT combo. Does the job well, but the Rick 4001/4003 sound is tempting.

I had a 4001. Not my choice for a daily driver. Some guys love em. I prefer my 1979 Gibson Thunderbird or my MIJ Fender Aerodyne. But to each his own. what svt combo are you using?

it's a 350T 2 x 10. Got it in trade for some work on a car. Not a tube SVT, but loud and clean enough for our studio. The P/J conversion made a big difference in sound.

The classic SVT tube head weighs in at a whopping 80+ lbs. Plus, it has has been my experience that tube don't travel well. Solid state with a one tube pre amp is just right for me. I use any one of 3 amps/cabs depending on the venue. Tiny club and practice, Ampeg BA115HP single 15" 220 watts, small to medium venues Ampeg SVT410HLF bottom with an Ampeg PF 500 watt head, outdoors and big venues SVT810E with the PF 500 on top. Gets the jobs done. Nothing quite sounds like 8 10's though. Yeah my Aerodyne is PJ.

What is it you dont like about the Ricks?

I think they sound "clangy". Not that I don't like them, they are fine basses, I just don't like the way they sound. My birds all have a certain growl that the ricks just don't have.

Hey now I growl just fine when I get mad. :)

so i have heard...

Every one of them I've been around has had a super tone, almost sounds wet. Squire has the best live sound I've ever heard, but he plays other basses too. The bassist in my Rush tribute uses a Rick.

This one is insane.

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I have an early 4001 originally owned by Tim Bogert. Got it in the early 80's to do some "Yes" covers. While it plays well, it's pretty much a "one trick pony" as far as sound. Not a very comfortable axe, but fun to have anyway. There are far better basses to be had for "new Ric" prices.

Nothing sounds like a Ric (or a T-bird for that matter)...

Either are a little too rich for me and my white trash garage band playing friends but sure would love to have one of each.

I have an old American jazz bass that gets me by...

Played a used 4001 at a local independent shop today. I was really impressed. I like the tone and feel of the bass.

Looks like I'll be searching one out. The store wanted $2500 for this one. I think i can do better.

Lemmy.

The best endorsement any brand could get.